Proteus mirabilis is a type of bacteria with several notable characteristics. Let's delve into a detailed description.
Characteristics of Proteus mirabilis
Proteus mirabilis is a gram-negative, facultative anaerobic bacterium. This means it can survive and grow with or without oxygen. A key identifier is its swarming motility. This motility is driven in part by its ability to self-elongate and secrete a polysaccharide, allowing it to attach to surfaces and move along them.
Detailed Breakdown:
- Gram-Negative: This refers to the bacterium's cell wall structure, which stains pink/red in a Gram stain procedure.
- Facultative Anaerobe: It prefers oxygen, but can also survive without it.
- Swarming Motility: This is a unique type of rapid surface translocation that enables it to quickly colonize surfaces. This is related to its capacity to self-elongate.
- Polysaccharide Secretion: This secreted substance aids in its attachment and movement along various surfaces, facilitating colonization.
Clinical Significance
The ability of Proteus mirabilis to adhere to surfaces and move along them is particularly problematic in a clinical setting. According to the reference material, it can colonize:
- Catheters
- Intravenous lines
- Other medical equipment
This colonization can lead to infections, particularly urinary tract infections (UTIs). Proteus mirabilis is known for its ability to produce urease, an enzyme that breaks down urea into ammonia. This increases the pH of the urine, promoting the formation of struvite stones (magnesium ammonium phosphate), leading to complications like kidney stones and catheter blockages.
Summary
In summary, Proteus mirabilis is a gram-negative, facultative anaerobic bacterium known for its swarming motility and ability to colonize medical devices. Its characteristics can lead to significant infections, particularly within the urinary tract.
